Meet Elisha Sumo | Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elisha Sumo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elisha, how does your business help the community?
Our original name “Upwardnow” had the idea of the brand at large in mind. The goal is and has always been to raise every client to another level because of the services provided. For a decade, we’ve been able to put in the hard work in raising brand awareness and a standard of excellence. We have consistently built strategies and watched dreams take off. We affect the world by telling a story every day that changes lives and impacts communities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One thing that sets us above the rest is we’re able to take you from conception to completion. We do not believe getting the content is good enough. Consistency is our priority in the brainstorming process. If you exposed your audience to a level of quality on Monday the question becomes how do you ensure uniformity on that level for the rest of the week, month, and year. We offer plans to follow through so that the client continues to tell their story in excellence. I am proud that we’ve been able to do this consistently for almost a decade.

I began as a master student of YouTube University. The majority of the information that I collected came from YouTube. I watched tutorials, how-tos, and other videos to answer questions. To gain experience and build a portfolio, I took on many projects for free. As a new videographer, I would shoot basketball games, workouts, and all the other content I could find until I was able to land lucrative gigs.

The mastery of skill and equipment was essential. For the aspiring photographer and/or videographer I’d say consider shooting family and friends at no cost. Allow these experiences to help build your confidence. Offer them content and develop a portfolio in return. Allow yourself to enjoy the company, the work, and learn your craft. This will allow you to build your way to the next level.

For as long as I can remember I’ve made a full-time living from my creative work. My job daily is to develop brand identity(s) and help clients reach their goals, visions, and dreams with excellence.

As a full time creative I’ve learned that you will have inconsistent weeks/months financially. Your passion/drive can not dwindle and your consistency must remain in tact. You can have many responses when things are not going well. A few include getting a part time job, changing lanes/focus, dropping your value/pricing, or a combination of the aforementioned. Keep your discipline and maintain your integrity so when your big break comes you’re in position.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1 -Breakfast at Barney’s
-Aquarium
-Tupelo Honey
-Atlantic Station/Movies
-Fogo de Chao

Day 2
-Piedmont Park
-Roc South Cuisine
-Centennial Park
-MLK Site
-Atlantic Station/Ice Cream
-Thrill Korean

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mentor, Vincent Powell. VP has been a key and integral part of my story and growth. Meeting him reinvented how I process work, responsibilities, and life. When he began coaching me I felt I was doing decent and growing but I quickly realized I have a cheat code not only to my business and brand but also in life. I have noticed throughout the course of our relationship that many of the things that I’m seeing for the first time he’s either seen before or countless times in his life. I’m grateful to have a roadmap, somebody that can just give me advice, tools, blueprints, and speak directly to things that are right in front of me.

I believe that mentorship is important because it allows you to have an inside look at your future with no risk or cost attached to it.

I’m thankful that he opens the book the way he does and helps me push through unlimited walls.

Website: https://www.thesumostudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesumostudios/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisha-sumo-b-s-236543b6/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesumostudios

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesumostudios

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thesumostudios

Other: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sumostudios100k

Image Credits
Christian Bates – @christianbatesphotography Mélisa Miranda – www.melimirandaphotography.com @mmirandaphotography Elisha Sumo – www.thesumostudios.com @sumotv @thesumostudios